(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Attorney General Dave Yost today issued Ohio’s annual report on concealed handgun licensing, showing that a total of 89,782 permits were issued in the state in 2022.
According to the statistics reported to the Attorney General’s Office, county sheriffs issued 27,031 new licenses and 62,751 renewals. Permit holders who wish to renew their licenses must do so every five years.
On June 13, 2022, changes to the law allowed qualifying Ohioans to carry a concealed handgun without a permit while also preserving the permitting system.
Under Ohio law, county sheriffs are responsible for issuing concealed-carry licenses and renewing them, as well as suspending and revoking licenses. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office compiles this annual report, as required by law, about the number of licenses issued each year.
Each sheriff must report concealed handgun license statistics quarterly to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission within the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Ohio county sheriffs began issuing concealed-carry licenses in 2004.
To learn more about Ohio’s concealed-carry laws or to view this year’s report and other statistics, please visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/ConcealedCarry.
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Governor DeWine, First Lady DeWine Visit East Palestine
Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine visited East Palestine today to see the hazardous waste removal process firsthand. They visited the derailment site where work is underway to remove contaminated soil and they also visited the confluence of Leslie Run and Sulphur Run for an update on surface water testing and cleanup.
Hazardous Waste Removal
According to the Ohio EPA, approximately 1.8 million gallons of liquid wastewater have been hauled out of East Palestine in total.
Approximately 150,000 gallons have been shipped to Vickery Environmental in Vickery, Ohio, to be disposed of through deep well injection.
Approximately 1.4 million gallons have been shipped to Texas Molecular in Deer Park, Texas, to be disposed of through deep well injection.
Approximately 300,000 gallons have been hauled to Detroit Industrial Well in Romulus, Michigan to be disposed of through deep well injection.
The Ohio EPA reports that approximately 700 tons of solid waste have also left the derailment site.
Ross Incineration Services in Grafton, Ohio, has received approximately 40 tons to be incinerated.
Approximately 200 tons have been hauled to Heritage Thermal Services in East Liverpool, Ohio, to be incinerated.
Approximately 400 tons have been shipped t o U.S. Ecology Wayne Disposal in Belleville, Michigan, to be placed in a landfill.
Hazardous Waste and Derailment Response Training
Governor DeWine announced today that he has spoken with the CEOs of both Norfolk Southern and CSX railroads about the need for increased train derailment response training for first responders.
Because most rail miles in Ohio are in rural areas, volunteer firefighters are most likely to be the first on scene to a train derailment. However, there is currently very little training for volunteers on responding to trail derailments
Governor DeWine reported that the CEOs of both railroads were in favor of working with the State of Ohio to increase railroad-specific training for Ohio’s first responders.
Governor DeWine also announced today that the Ohio Public Utilities Commission currently has up to $800,000 in grant funding available to help Ohio’s smaller fire departments pay for critically important training.
Today through May 31, PUCO will be taking applications for their annual hazardous materials training grant program. Among the opportunities funded through this program are “rail hazardous materials response training” and hazardous material incident response.
Funding for these grants is from fines paid by hazardous material carriers and shippers. More information is available at puco.ohio.gov.
Railway Safety Act of 2023
Today, Senators J.D. Vance and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, as well as Senators Marco Rubio (FL) and Josh Hawley (MO), introduced the Railway Safety Act of 2023 in the United States Senate.
The legislation would:
Require rail carriers to give advance notice to state emergency response officials before running trains carrying hazardous materials;
Mandate trains run with at least two-person crews;
Require better monitoring of railcar wheel bearings — which overheated in the Ohio train accident, according to the NTSB, and likely caused the train to jump the tracks; and
Increase penalties for wrongdoing in the industry.
“Over the course of my response to Norfolk Southern’s train derailment disaster, I have called upon Congress to take action regarding federal rail regulations, including looking at the safety issues the East Palestine derailment has raised. I have also called on Congress to change regulations to ensure states are notified when trains carrying hazardous materials are running through those states. Federal statutes pre-empt regulations by the states, so it is important that action is taken by Congress,” said Governor DeWine. “I want to thank Senators Vance and Brown and the other co-sponsors for answering my call for Congress to act swiftly. Because our railways are largely regulated at the federal level, I thank the Senators, as well as Congressman Bill Johnson in the House, for working collaboratively with my administration and answering our call for action in Congress.”
Track Removal Plan
Ohio EPA and U.S. EPA continue work to finalize the process that Norfolk Southern will use to ensure the safe, complete, and effective cleanup of the hazardous waste under the train tracks at the derailment site. Track removal has not yet begun, but work could begin this week.
Municipal Water Testing Update
New lab results show East Palestine’s municipal water supply continues to show no detection of contaminants associated with the train derailment. The municipal water samples were taken by contractors on February 21 from all five of the city’s wells. Ohio EPA also took samples on February 21 and sent the samples to a separate lab. Ohio EPA’s test results are pending.
Sediment Washing
Ohio EPA continues to see positive results from the sediment washing process that is underway in Sulphur Run and Leslie Run. The washing has produced a visible reduction in floating contaminants in the water. The method to capture contaminants is now shifting focus to dissolved contaminants. Work points along the creeks are being condensed but will have increased aeration. The aeration promotes a natural breakdown of the dissolved contaminants.
Private Well Sampling
Water sample results from private water systems of East Palestine area homes continue to show no harmful levels of contaminants.
The Ohio Department of Health, working with the Columbiana County Health District, had received verified laboratory results from 15 additional samples from private water systems as of noon Wednesday. Thirteen of those wells showed no detectable contaminants. Two wells had trace detections at levels well below safe drinking-water standards.
There is no evidence that any those trace detections are linked to the train derailment.
In total, 136 private systems have been sampled through Tuesday, Feb. 28. Of those, test results from 45 samples have been verified, and none have shown any harmful contaminant levels associated with the derailment.
The results can be found on the Columbiana County Health Department site at https://www.columbiana-health.org/resources/.
Residents near East Palestine who would like their private water system sampled should call 330-849-3919.
Air Monitoring
To date, the U.S. EPA has not detected contaminants associated with the derailment while testing air quality within area homes. Those living in East Palestine who have not yet requested free air sampling can call 330-849-3919.
Student Services
Governor DeWine is also announcing that the Learning Aid Ohio program, which provides in-home support services for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to supplement the services they receive in schools, is reserving dedicated slots for children in Columbiana County who have been impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Learning Aid Ohio provides families with financial resources to cover the costs of certain in-home support services, such as tutoring, occupational therapy, or physical therapy, to help children catch-up and succeed academically. Learning Aid Ohio is also always recruiting providers to support enrolled learners. For additional information on the program, families and providers can visit LearningOhio.com. Columbiana County families with questions may email learningohio@dsaco.net
Health Assessment Clinic
Hours for the Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine this week are:
Thursday
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ohioans will not be called by Ohio Department of Health employees to complete a health assessment. If you receive a call, do not give the caller personal information.
The Health Assessment Clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. The numbers to call to make appointments are 234-564-7755 or 234-564-7888.
More information and previous updates are available at ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine.
Coping with Trauma
According to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, traumatic events, such as the train derailment, can cause intense stress, anxiety, and worry, especially in the first several weeks following the event.
Local certified professionals are onsite at the East Palestine Mobile Health Clinic and are ready to assist anyone who has questions or concerns. In addition, any resident can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 at any time of day for free, confidential, emotional support from a trained professional.
For more information about local behavioral health resources and providers, contact the Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board at https://www.ccmhrsb.org/.
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Severe Weather Impacts
Heavy rain in East Palestine on Monday resulted in increased water flow in the contaminated section of Sulphur Run, which remains dammed to the east and west. Any rainwater that enters the contaminated section of the creek is considered contaminated and vacuumed from the site.
Recent rains also caused minor damage to some containment, collection, and stream treatment systems which were expected to be fixed by the railroad today. According to the Ohio EPA, the damage may have caused a small amount of heavily diluted contaminants from Sulphur Run to enter Leslie Run.
Bulk Liquid Transfer
Norfolk Southern has reported that their onsite contaminated liquid storage bins are now approximately 90% full due to the recent rains, necessitating the use of a bulk transfer method for the contaminated liquid.
Contaminated liquid was previously removed from the derailment site by truck and transported directly to licensed hazardous waste disposal facilities. The new bulk disposal method still utilizes semi trucks to remove liquid wastewater from the derailment site, but instead of bringing the wastewater directly to the licensed hazardous waste disposal facilities, the trucks will now offload the wastewater, which is mostly water, into rail cars stationed at the rail yards in Lordstown, Ohio.
This bulk transfer method was approved by the federal and state authorities overseeing the incident response.
The Ohio EPA is overseeing the transfer of the liquid wastewater from the trucks to the rail cars. The U.S. EPA will determine the rail cars’ destination and where the liquids will be disposed of.
Track Removal Plan
Ohio EPA and U.S. EPA are finalizing the process that Norfolk Southern will use to ensure the safe, complete, and effective cleanup of the hazardous waste under the train tracks at the derailment site. Track removal could begin as soon as tomorrow.
Private Well Sampling
Water sample results from private water systems of East Palestine area homes continue to show no harmful levels of contaminants.
The Ohio Department of Health, working with the Columbiana County Health District, today received verified laboratory results from 11 additional samples from private water systems as of noon Tuesday. Six of those wells showed no detectable contaminants. Five wells had trace detections at levels well below safe drinking-water standards. There is no evidence that these trace detections are linked to the train derailment.
In total, 126 private water wells in Ohio have been tested, and results have been returned for 30 of those wells, none of which showed evidence of contaminants linked to the train derailment.
Residents near East Palestine who would like their private water systems sampled should call 330-849-3919. As test results are returned, they will be posted at columbiana-health.org/resources/.
Air Monitoring
The U.S. EPA announced the deployment of a Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer mobile laboratory to conduct real-time air monitoring and air sampling analysis during the waste removal process.
To date, the U.S. EPA has not detected contaminants associated with the derailment while testing air quality within area homes. Those living in East Palestine who have not yet requested free air sampling can call 330-849-3919.
Wild Animal Necropsies
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will be submitting additional deceased wildlife to the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) for necropsies. Three raccoons, two muskrats, and one snapping turtle were all recently found dead in or around Sulphur Run.
Final necropsy results on four other animals previously submitted to the ADDL showed no findings to support chemical toxicity as a cause of death. Testing results from one six-week-old beef calf that died on February 11, 2023, are still pending.
Health Assessment Clinic
Hours for the Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine this week are:
Wednesday-Thursday
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ohioans will not be called by Ohio Department of Health employees to complete a health assessment. If you receive a call, do not give the caller personal information.
The Health Assessment Clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. The numbers to call to make appointments are 234-564-7755 or 234-564-7888.
More information and previous updates are available at ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine.
Coping with Trauma
According to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, traumatic events, such as the train derailment, can cause intense stress, anxiety, and worry, especially in the first several weeks following the event.
Local certified professionals are onsite at the East Palestine Mobile Health Clinic and are ready to assist anyone who has questions or concerns. In addition, any resident can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 at any time of day for free, confidential, emotional support from a trained professional.
For more information about local behavioral health resources and providers, contact the Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board at https://www.ccmhrsb.org/.
7 defendants sentenced for conspiring to launder more than $11.8 million of online romance scam proceeds
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The final defendant charged in a conspiracy to launder the money generated from online romance scams was sentenced in federal court here today to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
Kwame O. Yeboah, 38, of Columbus, conspired to launder more than $1.7 million through bank accounts in his control. As part of his sentence, Yeboah is ordered to pay the $1.7 million in restitution.
Yeboah and six other co-conspirators were convicted and sentenced for laundering the proceeds of online romance scams; they did not conduct the actual online scamming. The total amount generated by romance fraud that these individuals laundered was more than $11.8 million.
The other defendants convicted and sentenced include:
The romance scams involved individuals who created several profiles on online dating sites. They then contacted men and women throughout the United States and elsewhere, with whom they cultivated a sense of affection, and often, romance.
After establishing relationships, perpetrators of the romance scams requested money, typically for investment or need-based reasons, and provided account information and directions for where money should be sent. In part, these accounts were in the names of the defendants, their family members and their companies.
Funds were not used for the purposes claimed by the perpetrators of the romance scams. Instead, the co-conspirators conducted transactions designed to conceal, such as withdrawing cash, transferring funds to other accounts, buying official checks, sending wires to Ghana, China, the United States, and more. Part of the conspiracy was for the defendants to move the romance fraud proceeds from the United States to Ghana.
As part of their sentences, the defendants will pay the approximately $11.8 million in total.
Toure was also sentenced for money laundering as part of an unrelated COVID fraud scheme. Another individual submitted a fraudulent application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The U.S. Small Business Administration approved the COVID disaster-related loan and sent $110,000 in loan proceeds to Toure’s bank account. He then laundered the funds to conceal and disguise the fraud proceeds.
Ahiekpor was also sentenced for Wire Fraud for his role in defrauding the EIDL Program. In June 2020, he obtained a fraudulent $150,000 EIDL for his business. He spent the funds on two boats, an outboard motor, and a boat trailer. Ahiekpor committed part of his fraud scheme while on pretrial release for his money laundering charges, which means he will serve his Wire Fraud sentence after he completes his Money Laundering sentence.
The public can report online romance scams and other internet crimes at ic3.gov.
Experts offer tips for flagging romance scams:
Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.
Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly.
Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you.
Beware if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse why he or she can’t. If you haven’t met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have good reason to be suspicious.
Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone. Never provide your financial information or allow your bank accounts to be used for transfers of funds.
Requests for gift cards are also a red flag. The FBI has additional tips and information for protecting against romance and confidence fraud: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/safety-resources/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/romance-scams.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday–Friday. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
Kenneth L. Parker, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and David J. Twombly are representing the United States in this case.
Patrol Investigates Fatal Crash on State Route 3 north of Pleasant Home Rd. in Canaan Township in Wayne County
Canaan Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a two vehicle fatal crash that occurred at 4:23 p.m. on State Route 3 North of Pleasant Home Rd. in Canaan Township in Wayne County.
The crash involved a black 2021 Kia Seltos driven by Raven N. Park, age 31, of Seville, Ohio and a black 2007 Jeep Cherokee driven by Damon C. Hart, age 33, of Chippewa Lake, Ohio.
Initial investigation revealed Mr. Hart was southbound on State Route 3. Mrs. Park was traveling northbound on State Route 3. Mr. Hart’s vehicle traveled left of center striking Mrs. Park’s vehicle head on. After impact Mrs. Park’s vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway.
Mrs. Park was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Mr. Hart was transported by Canaan Township Fire Department to Akron General Hospital with serious life threatening injuries.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol Reconstruction Unit, Wayne County Coroner’s Office, and the Ohio Department of Transportation assisted on scene.
Alcohol does not seem to be a factor in this crash. Both drivers were belted. The crash remains under investigation.
(YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio) — Old-fashioned detective work, modern DNA technology, and a serendipitous tip that was offered in one case but proved vital in another case have led to the identification of two John Does in northeast and central Ohio, Attorney General Dave Yost announced this afternoon.
Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown, Youngstown Police Chief Carl Davis and Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth joined Yost at the press conference.
“Cases like these are why I created BCI’s cold case unit,” AG Yost said. “It’s to put the pieces together and assist local law enforcement so they can help bring closure to loved ones.”
Not long after, Youngstown police began to receive tips, including one that ultimately did not relate to their case but that detectives thought might be valuable in a different case elsewhere in the state.
In turn, detectives forwarded the information to BCI, which realized its relevance to a Fayette County human remains case dating back to 1981. The tip proved to be the missing piece that lead to the identification of Theodore Long.
Facial Reconstruction
Long’s body was found Nov. 17, 1981, in Paint Creek near Lamp Road. Deputies from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office diligently worked the case and had partnered with BCI’s Cold Case Unit in April 2022 to review potential new leads.
“It gives us some comfort that we no longer have to refer to this person by a location, but instead his name: Teddy Long,” Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth said. “Our condolences go out to the family who has been looking for 41 years to identify their loved one. We have an appreciation for the Youngstown Police Department and BCI for their assistance. Now our work begins to solve a homicide.”
Theodore Long
Long’s case remains an ongoing homicide investigation led by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
In the meantime, detectives in Youngstown continued working their John Doe case. With the help of genetic genealogy research funded by the Porchlight Project, a nonprofit that offers support for families of missing and murdered persons, detectives ultimately determined the Mahoning County John Doe to be Robert Sanders.
“Each day, the greatest men and women in our country don the uniform and put their lives on the line to keep us safe in our homes, one our way to school, and as we enjoy a nice dinner out on the town,” said Carl Davis, Youngstown Chief of Police. “Those same men and women are driven by an inherent desire to solve the cases they investigate and provide resolution so that not only may the criminals be brought to justice, but that families can help find some peace in their lives.”
Robert Sanders
Law enforcement is increasingly turning to genetic genealogy to put a name to human remains that have long defied all other methods of identification. A relatively new tool, genetic genealogy involves comparing a John Doe’s DNA to DNA submitted voluntarily to commercial databases by members of the public. The more genetic variations, or markers, that any two people have in common, the nearer they are on the family tree. Subsequent research involving a search of public records allows a genetic genealogist to fill in the branches of the tree and to ultimately connect the John Doe’s DNA to a family with a missing person.
Anyone with information in the investigation regarding Theodore “Teddy” Long is encouraged to contact the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office at 740-335-6170.
Anyone with information in the investigation regarding Robert Sanders is encouraged to contact the Youngstown Police Department at 330-742-8900.
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Sediment Washing
The process of sediment washing has begun in both Sulphur Run and Leslie Run.
Much of the contamination remaining in these waterways is attached to the sediment in the creek beds, which is why contaminants can be seen rising to the surface of the water when the ground beneath the water is disturbed.
A private contractor has finished the first round of sediment washing, and the second round started today. The process involves disturbing the sediment to release the contaminants to the surface of the water, and the contaminants are then removed from the water by vacuum trucks.
Additional rounds of sediment washing may take place in the future.
Contaminated Waste Removal
Following a one-day pause of waste removal ordered by the U.S. EPA, Norfolk Southern has resumed removing contaminated soil and liquid from the train derailment site. The U.S. EPA today also identified Ross Incineration Services in Grafton, Ohio, and Heritage Environmental Services in Roachdale, Indiana, as licensed hazardous waste disposal facilities that can take contaminated waste from the derailment site.
Solid Waste
According to the Ohio EPA, approximately 4,832 cubic yards of contaminated soil have been collected from the derailment site. This number is an estimate based on visual surveys of the collected soil. A more precise number is calculated at the time the soil is weighed for disposal.
Of the contaminated soil removed from the site:
Approximately 280 tons of contaminated soil have been disposed of at U.S. Ecology Wayne Disposal, a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility in Michigan. This disposal occurred prior to the U.S. EPA’s pause on waste disposal.
Two 28-cubic-yard boxes of contaminated soil are being sent today to Heritage Thermal Services, a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility in East Liverpool, Ohio.
Additional contaminated soil at the derailment site will be collected when the process to remove the rails begins.
Liquid Waste
According to the Ohio EPA, approximately 1.8 million gallons of liquid waste have been collected from the derailment site. The calculation of 1.8 million gallons has been revised from Friday’s previous estimate of over 2 million gallons collected. Liquid waste amounts are estimates until they are weighed during the disposal process. The revised number of 1.8 million gallons reflects the actual amount of liquid waste hauled away from the derailment site, plus a revised estimate of the amount of collected liquid waste that has not yet been transported for disposal.
Of the liquid waste removed from the site:
Approximately 1.249 million gallons were disposed of at Texas Molecular, a licensed solid waste disposal facility in Texas. This disposal took place prior to the U.S. EPA’s pause on waste disposal.
Approximately 319,002 gallons were disposed of at U.S. Ecology Romulus, a licensed solid waste disposal facility in Michigan. This disposal took place prior to the U.S. EPA’s pause on waste disposal.
Approximately 94,372 gallons were disposed of at Vickery Environmental, a licensed solid waste disposal facility in Vickery, Ohio. This total includes liquid disposed of both before and after the U.S. EPA’s pause on waste disposal.
More contaminated liquid will be collected as the cleanup process progresses.
Private Well Sampling
A second set of testing results from private water wells in the area of East Palestine showed no harmful levels of contaminants.
The Columbiana County Health District on Monday received verified laboratory results from seven private water systems. Three wells showed no detectable contaminants. Four wells had trace detections of contaminants at levels well below safe drinking-water standards. There is no evidence that those trace detections are linked to the train derailment.
In total, 126 private water wells in Ohio have been tested, and results have been returned for 19 of those wells, none of which showed evidence of contaminants linked to the train derailment.
Residents near East Palestine who would like their private water systems sampled should call 330-849-3919. As test results are returned, they will be posted at columbiana-health.org/resources/.
Air Monitoring
The U.S. EPA reported that they have conducted indoor air testing at a total of 578 homes. No contaminants associated with the derailment were detected. Those living in East Palestine who have not yet requested free air sampling can call 330-849-3919. Outdoor air monitoring is ongoing with 15 air monitors in the area. These monitors have not detected contaminants associated with the derailment.
Wild Animal Necropsies – Final Results
Final necropsy results for four deceased wild animals from the East Palestine area show no findings to support chemical toxicity as a cause of death. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources brought the animals to the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory on February 21, 2023.
Coping with Trauma
According to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, traumatic events, such as the train derailment, can cause intense stress, anxiety, and worry, especially in the first several weeks following the event.
Local certified professionals are onsite at the East Palestine Mobile Health Clinic and are ready to assist anyone who has questions or concerns. In addition, any resident can call the Ohio CareLine at 1-800-720-9616 at any time of day for free, confidential, emotional support from a trained professional.
For more information about local behavioral health resources and providers, contact the Columbiana County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board at https://www.ccmhrsb.org/.
Business Support
The Ohio Department of Development has a number of programs to support small businesses in Ohio. Businesses impacted by the train derailment are encouraged to email businesshelp@development.ohio.gov for more information.
Health Assessment Clinic
Hours for the Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine this week are:
Tuesday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday-Thursday
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ohioans will not be called by Ohio Department of Health employees to complete a health assessment. If you receive a call, do not give the caller personal information.
The Health Assessment Clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. The numbers to call to make appointments are 234-564-7755 or 234-564-7888.
More information and previous updates are available at ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine.
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following are updates from the State of Ohio regarding remediation work at the site of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Derailment Site Water Monitoring Wells
Ohio EPA is overseeing the installation of water monitoring wells that will be installed by a private contractor at the site of the train derailment.
This week, up to three wells will be drilled to determine if ground water immediately below the derailment site is contaminated, with a total of 10 wells planned after the soil under the rails is completely excavated. These monitoring wells will also support a better understanding of the direction and rate of the ground water flow in the area.
The wells announced today are in addition to four monitoring wells that were installed last week to monitor groundwater between Leslie Run and the village’s wellfield. Out of an abundance of caution, these four wells were drilled to detect any potential contaminants before they reach the village’s municipal water wells, which have been tested and determined to be safe.
Rail Cars
Other than the 11 cars being held as part of the National Transportation Safety Board’s ongoing investigation, all rail cars have been removed from the derailment site.
Contaminated Waste Removal
Removal of contaminated soil and liquid from the train derailment site will resume tomorrow.
According to the U.S. EPA, the U.S. EPA has approved Norfolk Southern to transport contaminated soil to the Heritage Thermal Services in East Liverpool, Ohio. The U.S. EPA has also approved Norfolk Southern to transport contaminated liquid to Vickery Environmental in Vickery, Ohio. The U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Transportation will oversee the transport of the waste from East Palestine to the disposal sites.
The U.S. EPA also continues to work with Norfolk Southern to identify additional waste disposal locations.
Approximately 1.8 million gallons of liquid waste and 4,832 cubic yards of solid waste have been collected to date. Additional solid and liquid waste are being staged daily as the cleanup progresses.
Private Well Sampling
According to the Columbiana County Health Department, a total of 126 private wells have been tested for the presence of contaminants.
As test results are returned, they will be posted at columbiana-health.org/resources/.
Air Monitoring
The U.S. EPA reported that they have conducted indoor air testing at a total of 578 homes. No contaminants associated with the derailment were detected. Those living in East Palestine who have not yet requested free air sampling can call 330-849-3919. Outdoor air monitoring is ongoing with 15 air monitors in the area. These monitors have not detected contaminants associated with the derailment.
Business Support
The Ohio Department of Development has a number of programs to support small businesses in Ohio. Businesses impacted by the train derailment are encouraged to email businesshelp@development.ohio.gov for more information.
Health Assessment Clinic
Hours for the Ohio Department of Health’s Health Assessment Clinic in East Palestine this week are:
Monday-Tuesday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday-Thursday
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ohioans will not be called by Ohio Department of Health employees to complete a health assessment. If you receive a call, do not give the caller personal information.
The Health Assessment Clinic is located at the First Church of Christ, 20 West Martin St. The numbers to call to make appointments are 234-564-7755 or 234-564-7888.
More information and previous updates are available at ema.ohio.gov/eastpalestine.
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Following the unexpected death of State Representative Kris Jordan (R-Ostrander) Governor Mike DeWine has ordered that the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff at the Ohio Statehouse and at all public buildings and grounds throughout Delaware County until sunset on the day of his funeral.
“Fran and I are shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Representative Kris Jordan,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “We extend our sincerest condolences to his entire family for this most unexpected loss. Kris will be remembered for his expertise as a legislator and his advocacy for the people of Delaware County.”
(EAST PALESTINE, Ohio)— The following is an update on the status of remediation work in East Palestine, Ohio.
Municipal Water Sampling
Last week, test results confirmed that East Palestine’s municipal water was free from contaminants associated with the derailment. Out of an abundance of caution, the Ohio EPA will independently test the municipal water once a week to ensure that this water source remains clean.
Private Well Sampling
The Columbiana County Health Department reports that it has sampled 74 private wells in the East Palestine area. Final testing results are pending. Those whose drinking water is sourced from a private well are encouraged to drink bottled water until testing results are returned. To schedule testing for your private well, call 330-849-3919.
Air Monitoring
The U.S. EPA reported that they have conducted indoor air testing at a total of 560 homes. No contaminants associated with the derailment were detected. Those living in East Palestine who have not yet requested free air sampling can call 330-849-3919. Outdoor air monitoring is ongoing with 20 air monitors in the area. These monitors have not detected contaminants associated with the derailment.
Surface Water Cleanup
The contaminated section of Sulphur Run near the derailment site remains dammed to the east and west to prevent contamination of other water bodies. Clean creek water at the eastern dam continues to be funneled away before entering the contaminated area and is then released back into Sulphur Run at the western dam.
Aeration, the process of injecting oxygen into the water to treat contamination, also remains underway on Sulphur Run. Aeration drives chemicals to the water’s surface, which are then extracted from the water. More than 1.6 million gallons of contaminants and contaminated water associated with the derailment have been removed from the area.
The quality of Leslie Run continues to improve. The most recent test results available, which are from samples taken on February 15, show very low levels of two contaminants, butyl acrylate and ethyl hexyl acrylate. Tests from North Fork Little Beaver Creek show much lower levels of ethyl hexyl acrylate and no traces of butyl acrylate. No vinyl chloride has been detected in any of these waterways.
The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission is no longer detecting contaminates related to the derailment in the Ohio River.
Soil Removal
To date, approximately 4,588 cubic yards of contaminated soil have been removed from the immediate area of the derailment.
Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Claims
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has created a specialized team to specifically handle any workers’ compensation claims related to the derailment. These claims will be subject to the same standards, rules, and laws as any other claim within the jurisdiction of Ohio but will be administered by staff members with specialized knowledge related to toxic substance/harmful physical agent exposure. All claim-related inquiries may be directed to Sarah Shackelford at Sarah.S.2@bwc.state.oh.us or Wilma Rhone-Perez Wilma.P.1@bwc.state.oh.us.
Joe Lyons •
March 1, 2023
In August 2022, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) 
Long’s body was found Nov. 17, 1981, in Paint Creek near Lamp Road. Deputies from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office diligently worked the case and had partnered with BCI’s Cold Case Unit in April 2022 to review potential new leads.
“Each day, the greatest men and women in our country don the uniform and put their lives on the line to keep us safe in our homes, one our way to school, and as we enjoy a nice dinner out on the town,” said Carl Davis, Youngstown Chief of Police. “Those same men and women are driven by an inherent desire to solve the cases they investigate and provide resolution so that not only may the criminals be brought to justice, but that families can help find some peace in their lives.”
